Combined video/audio signal player with a squelch function

A disc playing apparatus for reproducing information from a disc storing at least video picture information and audio information corresponding to the video picture information, and receiving a combined video/audio information signal from the disc indicative of both said video picture information and said audio information, said apparatus comprising:

• a sequence controlling element, receiving said combined video/audio information signal, and determining at specific times whether the contents of said video/audio information signal are representative of audio or video and producing a first signal indicative of audio being present, said sequence controlling element further producing a second, squelch signal, said squelch signal being in an active state for a time period at least on the order of one-tenth second and transitioning to said active state at least partially at distinct times from transitions of said first signal;
• an audio processing circuit, receiving said combined audio/video signal, and receiving said first signal from said sequence controlling element indicative of audio being present, and, when said first signal indicates that audio is present, processing the audio signal to produce an output indicative of the audio signal;
• and
• said audio processing circuit receiving said squelch signal, and preventing output of audio information when said squelch signal is active.